The Best Pet Insurance for Dogs in 2025
Figo tops our list of the best dog insurance companies for its customization options and competitive prices.
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Written byLindsay Frankel
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Lindsay Frankel is a personal finance and insurance writer who’s been writing for Compare.com since 2023. Her work has been featured in publications such as Investopedia, LendingTree, The Balance, SFGate, Bankrate, and FinanceBuzz.
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Edited byNick Versaw
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Nick Versaw leads Compare.com's editorial department, where he and his team specialize in crafting helpful, easy-to-understand content about car insurance and other related topics. With nearly a decade of experience writing and editing insurance and personal finance articles, his work has helped readers discover substantial savings on necessary expenses, including insurance, transportation, health care, and more. As an award-winning writer, Nick has seen his work published in countless renowned publications, such as the Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, and U.S. News & World Report. He graduated with Latin honors from Virginia Commonwealth University, where he earned his Bachelor's Degree in Digital Journalism.
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In This Article
Most pet parents would probably agree that “man’s best friend” deserves the best pet insurance. But with dozens of options for dog insurance, choosing a policy that’s right for your pet and your budget can be a challenge.
To help you decide which pet insurance policy is best for your needs, we evaluated more than a dozen of the top dog insurance companies. Here’s what we learned about the best pet insurance for dogs.
Key Takeaways
The national average cost to insure an adult dog is $46 per month.
It’s a bit cheaper to insure puppies and significantly more expensive to insure senior dogs.
Most pet insurers reimburse you after you pay your provider, so you can typically see any licensed vet. A few companies offer to pay participating vets directly.
Top 5 Best Pet Insurance Companies for Dogs, Ranked
To help you find the best dog insurance for your fur baby, we evaluated more than a dozen pet insurance companies and made the following selections based on cost, coverage, policy features, age limits, claims process, customer satisfaction, and more.
But before deciding on one of the top pet insurance companies below, be sure to compare quotes based on your pup’s age and breed.
1. Figo: Best overall
Pros
No upper age limit for new policies
Multiple reimbursement and deductible options
24/7 virtual vet visits included
Cons
No coverage for pre-existing conditions
Many negative customer reviews about claims
No coverage for prescription food
Figo offers an unlimited annual benefits option and up to 100% reimbursement. You also get access to 24/7 vet advice and cloud storage for your dog’s data.[1]
Figo covers a wide range of conditions and treatments, including dental illness and alternative therapies, for an average monthly price of just $57, according to our data. Figo is also a good option for senior pets — the company has no upper age limit when you enroll.
2. Pumpkin: Best for comprehensive coverage
Pros
Covers behavioral issues and dental illnesses
Includes an optional wellness package
No upper age limit for coverage
Cons
Higher premiums than some competitors
Preventive care only available as add-on
14-day waiting period for illnesses
For an average monthly price of $66, Pumpkin offers more comprehensive coverage than Figo. This includes coverage for exam fees and behavioral treatments at no extra charge, as well as prescription food and supplements.
Pumpkin has an unlimited annual coverage option, no upper age restrictions, and a Trustpilot rating of 4.7 stars (out of 5).
3. Pets Best: Best for direct vet pay or accident-only plans
Pros
No upper age limit for enrollment
Acupuncture care coverage available
Unlimited coverage option available
Cons
No 100% reimbursement option
No coverage for pre-existing conditions
Doesn’t cover behavioral conditions
Pets Best is one of the few dog insurers to offer direct vet pay to participating veterinarians. It’s also one of the most affordable, at an average monthly premium of $22 for accident and illness coverage, according to our data.
The company’s accident-only plans for dogs are also cheap — just $9 per month in most states — and cover 90% of treatment costs for accidents like broken bones and toxic ingestion up to $10,000 annually.
4. Lemonade: Best for cheap premiums
Pros
Premiums start as low as $10 per month
Discount available if you bundle pet and home insurance
File claims through Lemonade’s mobile app
Cons
Behavioral treatment only covered with an add-on
Doesn’t cover alternative therapies
Not available in every state
Lemonade offers some of the cheapest premiums of the insurance companies we reviewed, charging an average of just $27 per month for dog insurance. The company’s base policy covers treatment for many common accidents and illnesses, from allergies to arthritis to car accidents.
Lemonade also offers a few discount opportunities and several add-ons, like vet-visit fees, behavioral treatments, and dental illness coverage. But the price increase for these coverages can be significant.
5. AKC: Best for dogs with chronic conditions
Pros
Option to add coverage for hereditary, congenital, and chronic illness to some plans
Pre-existing conditions covered in most states after 365 of continuous coverage
Offers a discount for insuring multiple pets
Cons
No illness coverage available for senior pets
Limits coverage for some repeat illnesses and injuries
Negative online user reviews regarding claims coverage
AKC is the only major pet insurance company to cover both curable and incurable pre-existing conditions after one year of continuous coverage.[2] So if your dog has a chronic illness like inflammatory bowel disease or diabetes, AKC is your best bet for getting future treatments reimbursed.
AKC also offers breeding coverage, which most insurers exclude. But AKC policies don’t cover dental issues.
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What Pet Insurance Covers for Dogs
Pet insurance companies offer up to three coverage types, including:[3]
Accident and illness policies: These comprehensive plans cover veterinary treatment, procedures, and medication for a variety of injuries and diseases, including chronic illnesses like cancer. Some policies also cover behavior therapy and genetic conditions specific to certain dog breeds.
Accident-only policies: Accident plans are more affordable but cover only conditions with accidental causes, such as poisoning, foreign-body ingestion, broken bones, and bite wounds. These policies can be a good option for senior dogs or dogs with pre-existing health issues.
Wellness plans: Many pet insurers offer a preventive care package as an add-on to your pet insurance policy. These aren’t insurance policies but rather reimbursement programs that typically cover a fixed amount for routine care services like annual vet visits and vaccines.[4]
The table below shows some common health conditions in dogs, the average cost of treatment, and which policy type (if any) might cover your vet bills.[5]
Condition/Treatment  | Average Cost | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Wound treatment | $800–$2,500 |
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| Spay/neuter | $160–$220 |
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| Cancer treatment | $4,000 |
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| Diabetes | $1,600–$2,900 |
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| Dental disease/periodontitis | $768 |
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| Teeth cleaning | $707 |
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| UTI or bladder infection | $1,053 |
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| Hernia surgery | $700–$2,500 |
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| Vaccinations | $20–$60 |
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| Routine vet visit | $50–$250 |
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Source: CareCredit
What dog insurance won’t cover
Every pet insurance policy contains exclusions. These can vary from one policy to the next, but it’s common for accident and illness policies to exclude coverage for the following:
Pre-existing conditions: Most pet insurers won’t cover treatment if your pet showed symptoms of a condition before you bought your policy (or during the waiting period). But if the condition is curable, some companies will cover treatment if your pet has been symptom-free for six to 18 months. AKC also covers chronic (incurable) conditions after a year.
Routine care: Accident and illness policies don’t cover routine care, like annual checkups, vaccinations, and preventive medication. But many insurers offer wellness coverage as an add-on.
Elective procedures: Most policies won’t cover cosmetic procedures like tail docking and ear cropping.
Food and supplies: Pet insurance doesn’t cover over-the-counter dog food, treats, or toys. But some insurers cover prescription food and supplements for eligible conditions.
Grooming and boarding: Pet insurance doesn’t cover grooming, doggy day care, or overnight boarding while you travel.
Breeding costs: Most policies don’t cover care associated with breeding and pregnancy. But AKC offers breeding coverage as an add-on.
How Pet Insurance for Dogs Works
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Dog insurance helps reimburse you for costly veterinary bills, but you’ll still be responsible for some of the cost if your dog gets sick or injured. The following features, outlined in your policy documents, determine how much of the expense you’ll bear:
Deductible: This is a flat amount you pay before your insurer reimburses you. Most companies use annual deductibles, but some use lifetime deductibles for each condition. Choosing a higher deductible typically gives you a lower premium, but you’ll have to pay more if you file a claim.[6]
Reimbursement level: The share of your dog’s vet bills your pet insurance company pays (after your deductible) typically ranges from 70% to 100%. Your policy may also refer to it as your “co-insurance.”
Annual limit: Your policy will state the maximum dollar amount your insurer will pay in benefits each year. You can usually choose this amount, and some companies offer an unlimited option. Keep in mind that you’ll pay more in premiums for a policy with a higher annual limit.
In most cases, you’ll file a claim for reimbursement after you pay your vet, and your insurer will reimburse you according to the above parameters. A few companies also offer a direct payment option for participating vets.
Example scenario
While playing at the dog park with a new friend, your dog suffers an injury. You rush him to the emergency clinic, where the vet charges you $1,500 to treat the wound.
Fortunately, you have a pet insurance policy that covers accidents. It features a $250 deductible, a 90% reimbursement rate, and a $10,000 annual limit.
You file a claim online and receive $1,125 back from your insurance company (90% of $1,500, minus your deductible).
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Pet Insurance for Dogs FAQs
Curiosity may have killed the cat, but asking the right questions is key to finding the right policy for your dog’s healthcare needs. We’ve got answers to some common questions about insurance for dogs below.
What’s the best pet insurance for dogs?
Figo is our top pick for dog insurance because the company balances comprehensive coverage with affordable premiums and allows you to customize your policy. But the right policy for your furry friend will depend on your budget and your pup’s age and health. For example, Pumpkin offers more extensive coverage, while Lemonade offers some of the lowest average premiums.
What’s the cheapest pet insurance for dogs?
Pets Best offers the cheapest average premium for dog insurance, at $22 per month, according to Compare.com data. But pet insurance companies determine premiums based on individual factors like your location and your pet’s age and breed, so it’s a good idea to compare quotes to find the best deal for your dog. Plus, you should consider factors beyond cost, like coverage and customer service.
Is pet insurance worth it for dogs?
It depends. Pet insurance premiums can be expensive, but chronic conditions and emergency surgery cost even more. It’s a personal decision to purchase a pet insurance policy, but having at least a basic policy for your dog could ensure you don’t have to let financial issues affect your decisions about veterinary care.
Does pet insurance cover dental?
It depends. Most dog insurance policies cover accidents like a fractured tooth, and many wellness plans offer some coverage for dental cleanings. Some accident and illness policies also cover treatment for dental illnesses like periodontal disease (as long as your dog didn’t have pre-existing symptoms).
Does pet insurance cover spaying and neutering?
No. Accident and illness plans don’t cover spaying and neutering, but some wellness plans for puppies offer partial coverage for the procedure.
Sources
- Figo. "Dog Insurance."
- AKC Pet Insurance. "Pet Insurance for Pre-Existing Conditions."
- North American Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA). "NAPHIA’s Pet Insurance Buying Guide."
- National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). "PET INSURANCE MODEL ACT."
- CareCredit. "Veterinary Exam and Procedure Costs."
- NAIC. "A Regulator’s Guide to Pet Insurance."
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Lindsay FrankelInsurance Writer
Lindsay Frankel is a personal finance and insurance writer who’s been writing for Compare.com since 2023. Her work has been featured in publications such as Investopedia, LendingTree, The Balance, SFGate, Bankrate, and FinanceBuzz.
Nick Versaw leads Compare.com's editorial department, where he and his team specialize in crafting helpful, easy-to-understand content about car insurance and other related topics. With nearly a decade of experience writing and editing insurance and personal finance articles, his work has helped readers discover substantial savings on necessary expenses, including insurance, transportation, health care, and more. As an award-winning writer, Nick has seen his work published in countless renowned publications, such as the Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, and U.S. News & World Report. He graduated with Latin honors from Virginia Commonwealth University, where he earned his Bachelor's Degree in Digital Journalism.
